2005 Detroit Auto Show, Part VIII

2005 Detroit Auto Show Index by TCC Team (1/8/2005)

A Land Rover for the Nürburgring?

Land Rover revealed a new fifth model line, the Range Rover Sport, which will slot into the brand’s lineup between the Range Rover and the LR3. The Sport is said to have been developed with more of an emphasis on on-road performance than any other Land Rover, but still very competent off-road. Actually, Land Rover says, it was tuned on the Nürburgring, a claim that’s often made for sport sedans but not often for SUVs. “It is the best driver’s vehicle that Land Rover has ever made,” stated managing director Matthew Taylor in a release.

With styling cues more like those of the original Range Rover, particularly in the rear section, visually there’s no denying its heritage. Side pillars have been blacked out and combine with a lot of side glass to create a “floating roof” look. In back, the tailgate is made of aluminum and the glass can open separately.

The Sport will be powered by a 390-hp 4.2-liter supercharged V-8 and a six-speed automatic transmission, combined with, of course, four-wheel drive. A normally aspirated 4.4-liter, 300-hp V-8 will also be offered. The brand’s Dynamic Response suspension system and Terrain Response off-road system will help provide top performance on- and off-road. Hill Descent Control will also be standard on all models, as will a four-corner air suspension.

The interior will be quite lavish, with options including a Harmon/Kardon audio, bi-xenon headlamps, and an individual-screen navigation system. The Sport is somewhat smaller than the standard Range Rover, and will fit between the LR3 and Range Rover in price.

Range Rover gets Jaggy

The new 2006 Range Rover, which will reach dealerships this summer, also made its first appearance on a special stage reserved for Ford’s Premier Automotive Group.

Most notably, specially tuned Jaguar engines now replace the BMW-derived unit that has powered the Range Rover since its 2002 introduction. A supercharged version joins the Range Rover lineup for ’06, with a supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 offering 400 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The new 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V-8 makes 305 hp and is standard on all other Range Rovers.

The luxury SUV also gets a new front bumper, grille, headlights, and taillights (the look can best be described as more complicated); and changes have been made to the steering and air suspension system. A new touch-screen system is standard; adaptive front headlamps are available, as is a rear-view parking-aid camera and new entertainment system for rear-seat passengers.

Avalon shamelessly embraces empty-nesters

In an address to the showgoing press, Toyotasenior VP and general manager Don Esmond explained that, now with Scion, the company has a full line of vehicles covering nearly all ages and demographics and the company needn’t be ashamed of the Avalon’s loyal, proud, value-seeking empty-nester base.

The new Avalon, styled at Toyota’s Calty Design Research facility in Newport Beach, Californiaand called the most American Toyota yet, once again aims to provide “understated elegance,” with high levels of refinement and luxury, while being an even better value than the current outgoing Avalon.

Substantially larger both outside and inside, the new Avalon provides more comfort for all occupants, and better performance, while offering better efficiency than before. Power is provided by a new 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with VVT-I variable valve timing and five-speed automatic transmission, allowing a 0-60 time of only 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 city, 31 highway and a ULEV emissions certification.